Method and apparatus for portable fluid delivery for animals

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/296,057, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPORTABLE FLUID DELIVERY TO ANIMALS, filed on Nov. 14, 2011, which itselfclaims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/413,100, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR PORTABLE OXYGEN FOR ANIMALS”, filed on Nov. 12, 2010, and thespecification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatusfor providing portable oxygen delivery to animals. Embodiments of thepresent invention are alternatively suitable for delivery of otherfluids.

2. Background

The following discussion refers to information that is given for morecomplete background and is not to be construed as an admission that suchinformation is prior art for patentability determination purposes.

There are two products currently available that provide oxygen toanimals, but they are not portable oxygen devices. One is Aerodawg®(U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3280408, owned by Trudell MedicalInternational Trudell Partnership Holdings Limited and Packard MedicalSupply Centre Ltd.), invented by Dr. Philip Padrid. This device is abreathing chamber that is held over a dog's nose and mouth to supplyinhaled aerosol medications. However, it must be held in place for onlya few seconds at a time to prevent the delivery of an overdose by anattending human.

Similarly, there is an oxygen mask for dogs made and distributed byInvisible Fence, Inc., through its “Project Breathe.” This is also atemporary mask that must be held by a human, and is distributed to firedepartments throughout the USA and Canada. It is intended forresuscitation of dogs, cats, ferrets, and other small mammals injured inhouse fires.

For dogs that become “oxygen dependent,” the only methods available,until now, have been closed cages with oxygen pumped in via a sealedport, oxygen catheters which are needle-like tubes inserted deep into anostril and affixed with stitches in the cheek, and cannulae—tight tubessurrounding the head with two stiff probes sticking into the nostrils.While a few dogs will tolerate a catheter, even fewer will tolerate acannula, but almost all refuse both vehemently. The only other solutionis a zippered vinyl tent, replicating the glass oxygen cages inveterinarian hospitals, but none of these solutions allow a dog to enjoyfreedom of movement. The cost of intensive care in a veterinarianhospital, with a closed oxygen cage, can cost many hundreds of dollarsper day. This almost guarantees that after a few days, at most, oxygendependent dogs are euthanized. There is thus a present need for acomfortable, non-intrusive mask which can provide supplementary portableoxygen to a non-human animal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methodsfor providing fluid to a non-human animal comprising: at least oneportable fluid source; a delivery system apparatus comprising at leastone mask and at least one fluid transport tube; and at least onesecuring belt for disposing the delivery system on the animal. Thedelivery system comprises a flexible mask. The securing belt maycomprise a head strap, at least one underchin strap and/or a harness.One embodiment of the delivery system is preferably configured to holdthe transport tube out of reach of teeth of the animal. The presentinvention allows an animal to eat, drink, sneeze, scratch, sleep in manypositions, walk, run, and twirl while the animal is wearing theapparatus. Embodiments of the present invention wherein the fluiddelivered to the animal comprises oxygen and/or a medication.

The mask is disposed at least partially around a nose of the non-humananimal. The animal may wear the delivery system without requiring aperson to hold the mask.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will be setforth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following,or may be learned by practice of the invention. Objects, advantages andnovel features, and further scope of applicability of the presentinvention will be set forth in part in the detailed description tofollow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in partwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose ofillustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and arenot to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a drawing which illustrates an embodiment of the presentinvention disposed on a dog;

FIG. 2 illustrates the various components of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention attachedto a dog;

FIGS. 5A-5H and 6 are drawings which illustrate alternative embodimentsfor connection of various components of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates placement of a mask of an embodiment of the presentinvention on an animal;

FIGS. 8A-B, and 9A-B illustrate embodiments of under chin straps and theplacement thereof on animals;

FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view of oxygen inlet tubes according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a positioningpocket and an oxygen inlet tube;

FIG. 12 illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of the head strap;

FIGS. 13A-C illustrate alternative embodiments of chocks according toembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate exploded views of alternative embodiments ofchocks;

FIGS. 15A-D illustrate several views of a wedge;

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an oxygen supply tube;

FIG. 17 illustrates stretch belts according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatusfor supplying portable oxygen to animals, particularly non-humananimals. Embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise adelivery system apparatus which is preferably attached firmly to a nose,without blocking or irritating the animal's mouth, lips, and nostrils.Embodiments of the present invention also optionally include but are notlimited to a soft, comfortable harness to keep the oxygen supply tubesclose to the animal's body, out of reach of its teeth, and to preventkinking of the tubes. Embodiments of the harness preferably allow theanimal to eat, drink, sneeze, scratch, run, twirl, sleep in manypositions, and generally engage in normal behavior. Alternatively, otherembodiments can be used to provide the delivery of other fluids,including but not limited to aerosol medications.

The term “animal” as used throughout the specification and claims, meansa non-human animal, including in particular, dogs, cats, and other smallanimals.

The terms “hose”, “tubing,” “tubes,” “pipe,” and “pipes” as usedthroughout the specification and claims, are used to describe anyapparatus, method, conduit, passageway or system capable of, conductingand/or transporting fluids, including but not limited to tubing, piping,conduits, tunnels, hoses, combinations thereof, and the like whetherflexible, nonflexible, or semi-flexible.

The terms “strap” or “belt”, as used interchangeably throughout thespecification and claims, includes but is not limited to any material,apparatus, and/or system capable of securing and/or disposing and/orattaching an article to an animal.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention whereindelivery system 10 includes mask 12, inlet tubes 14, head strap 16,belts 18, left and right head tubes 20 and 20′, transport tube 21, andsupply tube 22. Embodiments of the present invention preferably comprisecertified oxygen tubing (e.g., plastic tubing), and/or any similar orotherwise appropriate tubing for delivering a fluid, which fluid isintended to be administered to the animal. Embodiments of the straps ofthe present invention preferably comprise one or more flexiblematerials, including but not limited to straps, as well as combinationsthereof. Embodiments of the present invention can include, but are notlimited to, chocks, tensioners and tighteners to ensure easyre-adjustment of the invention. The straps, belts and harnesses make theapparatus self-supporting, and a human does not have to hold thedelivery system and/or any component of the present invention on theanimal. Optionally, belts and/or straps can be adjustable to fitsubstantially any size animal.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention especiallyuseful for dogs and other four-legged animals. As illustrated therein,animal oxygen delivery system 10 comprises mask 12, underchin strap 13,one or more inlet tubes 14, inlet tube connector 30, which is mostpreferably a tubing connector, left and right head tubes 20 and 20′,head strap 32, fastener for head strap 34, first tube ring 37, and belts18. Tube rings optionally comprise sticky slider rings surrounding atube until slack is removed. It can act as a “tightener” preferably madeof a spiral of rigid ribbon (e.g. plastic). Optionally, belts 18 cancomprise a single belt, a plurality of belts, or another structure,including but not limited to a harness, a net, combinations thereof, andthe like, which are capable of holding transport tube 21 on an animal,most preferably in an at least semi-fixed position. Optionally, one ormore fasteners 40 on at least one of belts 18 holds transport tube 21 inplace. This embodiment also preferably comprises second tube ring 44around transport tube 21. The tube ring can be in used in conjunctionwith a section of tube that has been made thicker to restrict shiftingof transport tube 21 through belt 18. Ring 46 around tube 21 ispreferably provided to keep oxygen supply tube 21 connected and toprevent disconnection between supply tube 22 and head tubes 20, 20′and/or inlet tube 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 animal oxygen delivery system 10, mask12 is preferably secure but loose fitting, thus preventing pawing orother methods to remove it by animal 47. Mask 12 preferably fitssecurely to stay over the nostrils and provide uninterrupted “blow-by”delivery of medication, oxygen, or another fluid, such that it passes bythe nostrils of an animal so that the animal can breathe it in. Blow-byis thus distinguished from “injecting”, which is accomplished with acannula. FIG. 3 also identifies fluid supply tube 22.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise a mask that ismanufactured in a range of sizes and molded to improve the fit. Meteredflow of the fluid delivered by the blow-by action can be increased ifsome of it is being wasted or diluted too much.

FIGS. 5A-H, 6-7, 8A-B, 9A-B, 10-12, 13A-C. 14A-C, 15A-D, and 16 areillustrations of embodiments of the present invention useful forvirtually any animal that can benefit from the use of a portable fluiddelivery system. FIGS. 5A-H illustrate an embodiment of delivery system52 comprising a plurality of components, including but not limited tomask 54, underchin strap 56, inlet tubes 58, head strap 62, friction fitchock 60 to keep mask firmly over nose by maintaining tension on tubes58, transport tube 64, bumpers 66 around tube 64 to prevent tube 64 fromsliding forward or backward, connector for transport tubes 68, and belts70 to hold tubes 64 along the body of an animal. Chock 60 is preferablyattached to the inlet tubes 58 by sliding chock onto the tubes and/orattaching in place and then tightening.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention can be adjustable. Onealternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, optionally comprises mask 54supplied with inlet tubes 58 already attached thereto on one or moresides of the snout of the animal. Optionally, inlet tubes 58 can bethreaded loosely through chock 60, bringing them together such that theycan be fastened into a junction with transport tube 64. Embodiments ofthe present invention can be provided in alternative sizes, which havedifferent lengths and/or diameters of inlet tubes 58 between mask 54 andchock 60.

In one embodiment, adjustments to obtain a tight fit around the head ofanimal 47 can be made with chock 60 after mask 54 is held in place byhead strap 62 (see FIG. 5F) and chin strap 56. Any tubes that becomeloose can optionally be adjusted through chock 60.

Chock 60 slides into place and/or can be attached and set in place toachieve a tight fit around the head of animal 47. Bumpers 66 can be slidforward or back along transport tube 64 so that there can be a bumperfore and aft of each body belt 70.

FIG. 6 illustrates inlet tubes 58 which are preferably comprised oflight and flexible materials (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene).Transport tube 64 optionally comprises a larger and more rigid tube thaninlet tubes 58. Transport tube 64 can extend the length of the body ofan animal and ends at connector 68. At one end, supply tube 72preferably connects at connector 68 to a supply of fluid (that caninclude medication) to be delivered at its second end. Optionally,supply tube 72 and can be semi-rigid and/or flexible. Supply tube 72 cancomprise a friction fit connection or another type of connection method.Embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise a connectionbetween transport tube 64 and supply tube 72, which is optionallypositioned behind a rear belt, but most preferably not positioned so farbehind as to be uncomfortable for the animal. Alternative embodimentscan have connections which can be adjusted or changed to accommodatevirtually any size animal.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of mask 54 withdelivery tubes 58 that connect to the inside of mask 54. A nose ofanimal 47 is illustrated to demonstrate a preferred position andorientation of mask 54 on animal 47. In one embodiment of mask 54, notch76 is preferably positioned at the center of the lower edge thereof toaccommodate an upper lip of animal 47. Optionally, notch 76 in mask 54provides an animal with more comfort for its lips and mouth.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate embodiments of an underchin strap of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, chin strap 56 is disposed fromthe animal's chin upward and comprises fastened closure 57 around oxygeninlet tubes 58. Closure 57 can be on each side of the animal's face 47,to keep tubes and mask 54 close to a top of the animal's nose withoutmaking it uncomfortably tight over the nose. FIG. 8B illustratesunderchin strap 56 with fasteners 75 e.g., hook and loop) that comprisea secure fit and removal prevention over inlet tubes 58 while permittingnormal mouth movements. Other fasteners (e.g., snaps, buttons, pins,hooks, etc.), may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and B illustrate close up views of head strap 62. Head strap 62preferably comprises fasteners 84 (e.g., hook and loop) disposed on topof the animal's head (FIG. 9B), and ear holes 80. Other fasteners (e.g.,snaps, buttons, pins, hooks, etc.), may also be used in accordance withthe present invention. Guide pockets 78 optionally secure supply tubeson an animal's head. In one embodiment, guide pockets 78 can be stitchedonto head strap 62, facing away from an animal's face, to keep supplytubes disposed at the sides of the nose without letting them move upinto an animal's vision. Optionally, opening 82 (FIG. 9A) of guidepocket 78 aids in providing a proper orientation of inlet tube 58,thereby positioning mask 54 (see FIG. 8A) for more direct blow-by.

Head strap 62 can have a plurality of functions (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).For example, head strap 62 can hold various components of the presentinvention in place without making animal 47 uncomfortable. Inparticular, it is desirable that the ears, eyes, and mouth not becovered or over stimulated, or distorted from their normal positions.Head strap 62 helps prevent crimping of inlet tubes 58, thus keepingthem open. In addition, head strap 62 keeps inlet tubes 58 properlyoriented toward mask 54. Embodiments of head strap 62 preferablycomprise a lightweight, breathable, stretch fabric, and most preferably,one with a wide zigzag stitch, so as to permit stretching in multipledirections. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, anyfabric and/or any stitching and/or any combination thereof. Embodimentsof guide pockets 78 on head strap 62 disposed on either cheek arepreferably as nearly invisible to the animal as possible in its field ofview. Therefore, embodiments of guide pockets 78 preferably comprise astiff gutter to hold and direct inlet tubes 58. FIG. 10 illustrates anembodiment of inlet tube 58 positioned outside of the animal's field ofview. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment (expanded view) of guide pocket78 holding inlet tube 58, and opening 82 of guide pocket 78. FIG. 11also illustrates an embodiment of guide pocket 78 comprising gutter 81that optionally projects forward from the front edge of guide pocket 78allowing underchin strap 62 to exert a downward hold while preventingcrimping of inlet tubes 58. Fastener 55 can comprise one or moreremovable fasteners, permanent fasteners, semi-permanent fastenersand/or a combination thereof. Stitching 53 attaches guide pocket 78 tohead strap 62.

An embodiment of the present invention provides various locations of earholes 80 on head strap 62, that are pre-marked or partially pre-cut suchthat a user can cut and/or otherwise remove them as needed in order toaccommodate a particular animal type and/or size. Alternatively, earholes 80 are optionally not pre-cut in head strap 62 at its terminal endfacing away from animal 47.

Guide channels 78 for inlet tubes 58 can be disposed on head strap 62 onopposite sides of a snout of animal 47 and symmetrically arrangedrelative to the animal's center line (under the chin, running down thefront of the neck).

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a portion of head strap 62, and showingfasteners 75 (e.g., hook and loop). Other fasteners (e.g., snaps,buttons, pins, hooks, etc.), may also be used in accordance with thepresent invention. The total girth of head strap 62 can optionally beadjusted by having a series of fasteners 75 in parallel at the oppositeterminal end.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, oxygen inlet tubes 58 preferablyconnect to transport tube 64 by friction fit chock 60. Friction fitchock 60 can be easily manufactured and easily adjusted, by slidingand/or pulling tight and/or repositioning, to remove some or all slackfrom the delivery tubes. Friction fit chock 60 preferably remain fixedin place after adjustment until tubes 58 stretch, at which time frictionfit chock 60 can be easily opened, moved, and closed again.

Friction fit chock 60 is optionally fitted on the two delivery tubes(see also FIG. 13C), just after they exit the male fitting. It separatesthe two tubes so they are started at a natural angle on their pathsaround either side of the head.

Inlet tubes 58 preferably comprise soft and stretchy tubes. Chock 60secures mask 54 tight against the nose of and prevents the animal fromremoving mask 54. Transport tube 64 is preferably attached so itprojects off of an animal's back, out of the animal's main line ofvision and attention, and can easily be attached and detached fromsupply tube 72. FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment of friction fit chock60. Chock 60 preferably comprises a rigid plastic, or similar material,and chock 60 preferably splits transport tube 64 into a plurality ofinlet tubes 58 (see also FIG. 12).

FIG. 13C illustrates an alternative embodiment of a chock comprisingtriangular piece 61 with inner block 63. Block 63 can be pulled out oftriangular piece 61, and inlet tubes 58 can slide easily through, inorder to loosen tubes. Tubes 58 can be set in place and block 63 pushedback into triangular piece 61 and thereby tightened at the correcttension. Both pieces of triangular piece 61 can optionally have groovesand/or half tunnels to hold inlet tubes 58 firmly without squeezing themshut. As with other embodiments of tightening mechanisms, they can beplaced on the tubes by sliding, and/or opening, adjusting, and lockinginto place. The easy adjustability of triangular piece 61 is preferablebecause inlet tubes 58 can stretch.

FIGS. 14A-C and 15A-D illustrate components of an alternative embodimentof chock 86 comprising a wedge-like shape to complete connection betweeninlet tube 58 and transport tube 64. This embodiment includes, but isnot limited to, small, flat funnel 85 with two-channel fasteners. Thisembodiment is preferably in two parts, one part comprising funnel 85(see FIG. 14C) and the other flat wedge 83 (see FIG. 15B) with grooves91 down its sides (see FIGS. 15C and 15D). This embodiment provideswedge 83 that is pushed inside the funnel 85, at opening 87 and squeezesinlet tubes 58 between wedge 83 and funnel 85 down the sides of grooves91, holding them firmly in place without shutting off the flow of fluidand/or medication traveling through tubes 58. Retention strap 89suffices to lock wedge 83 in place. Embodiments of fastener 89 arepreferably inaccessible to the animal.

Referring now to FIG. 16, transport tube 64 is preferably loose enoughalong the animal's spine not to draw its attention constantly, and mustbe anchored tightly enough to prevent loosening. Tube 64 can have arange of looseness along its long axis, since the overall length of theanimal's spine will change slightly according to his position andmovement. The weight of tube 64 can be distributed over a wider area bydisposing bumpers 66 around tube 64. Bumpers 66 are preferably disposedon top of belts 70 and thus transfer the weight of tube 64 onto belts70, where it is thus transferred across the width of the animal (seealso FIG. 18).

In an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 17, oneof belts 70 can preferably be disposed around the chest of animal 47,similar to the front strap of a dog harness. Thus, it is preferably lowon the animal's neck to keep it from twisting or traveling without beingtight and constricting on animal 47. Another of belts 70 can be disposedaround the animal's waist, for example in the case of a dog, it can bedisposed around its torso directly in front of its hind legs, and canassist in holding transport tube 64 (see FIG. 18).

Belts 70 preferably have at least one fastener, closed tabs, or loops atthe top, openable so a tube can be removed for cleaning orrepositioning. Belts 70 can optionally be narrow to cover a minimumamount of space and be as unobtrusive as possible, while wide enough tospread the friction load.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. Animaloxygen delivery system 52 on animal 47 comprises mask 54, one or moreinlet tubes 58, chock 86, head strap 62, belts 70, transport tube 68 andoxygen supply tube 72.

Dimensions of the components of the embodiments of the invention can beconfigured to accommodate measurements of the type and size of animalfor which the invention is to be used. Alternative embodiments can alsoprovide adjustment mechanisms on the various components such that arange of animals and/or sizes of an animal can be accommodated.

The present invention can be used at home by any animal owner, withoutspecial training, without intervention by a veterinarian and withoutrisk of overdose.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention can comprise anelastomeric material, including but not limited to rubber and/orsilicone washers that fit snugly around the transport tube to enableadjustment and tightening or loosening of various components of thepresent invention. Other embodiments optionally employ a self-tighteningfriction adjustment, for example by providing components that are formedat least partially from elastic materials.

An embodiment of the present invention is preferably used with non-humananimals. An embodiment of the present invention is not useful for largeanimals, e.g., equine. An embodiment of the present invention ispreferably used with four-legged animals having a weight of less thanabout 300 pounds, more preferably used with four-legged animals having aweight of less than about 100 pounds, and more preferably used withfour-legged animals having a weight of less than about 50 pounds, andmost preferably used with four-legged animals having a weight of lessthan about 25 pounds. In one embodiment, the present invention isself-supportive and does not require a user to hold the mask of thepresent invention in place. An embodiment of the present invention ispreferably positionable on a cat and/or dog. An embodiment of thepresent invention can be attached to an animal and the animal allowed tomove about in at least a given area without requiring a human to hold ormove a component of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is further illustrated by the followingnon-limiting examples.

Example 1

The present invention was reduced to practice and experimentally testedon the inventor's 14-15 pound dog (named Dr. Robert). Dr. Robert had amysterious illness which was finally diagnosed as Interstitial LungDisease. Interstitial Lung Disease is the gradual occlusion of emptyspace in the lung with scar tissue and fluid, choking off the ability toexpand the lung and draw in air. He was very near death, even in anoxygen cage at a veterinary facility. The veterinarian was unable toraise his blood oxygen concentration above 88% until he inserted andsewed in place an oxygen catheter, which brought it up to 94%, a levelthat can sustain life. He was still restrained in intensive care and wasvery uncomfortable, foaming from the nose around the catheter and tryingrepeatedly to claw it out. Dr. Robert could not be held or taken outsidebecause of this. He was restricted to 15 seconds at a time off of thehose. Euthanasia was clearly the treatment of choice.

The inventor, not willing to accept euthanasia for Dr. Robert, andwanting to bring him home, developed the present invention. Using acombination of sewing, glue, heat, and friction fastening, a prototypeof an embodiment of the present invention was created. The inventor thenwent back to the veterinarian, had them remove the catheter, andinstalled an embodiment of the present invention on Dr. Robert. Hisblood oxygen concentration went up to 98%, dropped back to 96%, andstayed there. Dr. Robert was able to go home.

Dr. Robert was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed that has verylong, soft, furry ears. The head strap was designed to keep his earscomfortable, but out of his water and food bowls. The stiff channels forthe supply tubes were made from some polyethylene lab tubing, which werecut lengthwise, flattened temporarily, and sewed with a line of straightstitching along the midline. Straight stitching was used because thetubing was non-stretch. The tube projected about ⅝ inches beyond thefront of the head strap, leaving room for the chin strap to be fastenedaround both a gutter and supply line. If the gutter ended where the headstrap did, the chin strap could pull the supply tube down and crimp it.All parts of the head strap were closed with a fastener so they could beopened for removal, repositioning, and cleaning of the oxygen tubes. Allfasteners had to be placed so that the stiff, prickly male side, withhooks, faced away from the dog's skin, and only the soft, loop femaleside faced the skin. The chin strap also needed similar closures at bothends so it could be placed under the chin, wrapped around the two guidegutters, and adjusted to be just tight enough to hold the supply tubesdown in the proper position so the mask could not easily be rubbed upand off the nose.

As Dr. Robert's symptoms were identified, the flow was increased ordecreased as necessary. With “blow-by” oxygen, there is no possibilityof an overdose. This meant that no special training, withoutintervention by a veterinarian, was necessary to deliver oxygen to Dr.Robert.

The present invention can be used at home by any animal owner, withoutspecial training, without intervention by a veterinarian and withoutrisk of overdose.

In the weeks that followed, the design was refined to make it moresecurely attached, yet more comfortable, for Dr. Robert. Within a fewdays, his breathing had improved enough to unplug his hose and let himgo out the dog door in the usual way to attend to his bathroom needs.When he came back in, he was always somewhat oxygen starved, butreconnecting him to a supply of oxygen rapidly improved his gum colorand balance. He resumed his normal life, seeming less and less sick, andwas able to sleep in a bed, play with his toys and his fellow dogs, eatnormally, and go out in the garden with his fifty-foot transport hose.

Options that have been incorporated to address adjustability include butare not limited to marking the transport tube with calibrating marks,and supplying the tube (the rear end of the transport tube as yet uncutand unconnected) with a separate fitting that will have a male insert togo into the transport tube, back-to-back with a female receptacle forthe “industrial” connector. The transport tube was placed along theanimal's back, marked where to cut the tube, and how to cut it. The tubewas double checked to ensure there were no small remnants of adhesiveafter the connector was glued to the tube inside the tube that couldblock oxygen flow. Once the measurement was made, the tube was cut, andthe connector glued to it, it was set for long-term use.

The following were the dimensions of the various components:

Front belt dimensions were: overall length, including overlap forVelcro® hook and loop tape closure: 21 inches; approximate overlap forclosure: 2 inches.

For retention of transport tube on top of belt: overall length 2.5inches, of which 0.5 inches between stitching at attached end andbeginning of Velcro® hook and loop tape, to provide a smooth tight fitaround transport tube; 1.5 inches female Velcro® hook and loop tape; 0.5inches ribbon sewn over non-attached end for ease of grasping andopening Velcro® hook and loop tape to make adjustments. Belt: overalllength, including overlap for Velcro® hook and loop tape closure: 18inches.

End supply tubes: 11 inches from center of mask to junction where twosupply tubes originate from transport tube; this distance variablyshortened to keep tubes and mask snug against his face, but not so tightas to be uncomfortable.

Chinstrap: overall length, unstretched, 17 inches, with about 1.5 inchesof this devoted to Velcro® hook and loop tape closure.

Head strap was made of Lycra® fabric, very stretchy, so when installedand stretched out so as to give close but not tight fit, the realhead-and-neck circumference was probably about 18 inches.

Transport tube: from point of emergence of supply tubes from junction totip of male connector at end: 14.75 inches.

For five weeks of mostly continuous oxygen therapy, combined with oraland inhaled steroids, his breathing had improved so much that theveterinarian recommended taking him off it for slowly increasingperiods. He was able to breathe unaided for three days at a time overthe course of many weeks.

Note that in the specification and claims, “about” or “approximately”means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particularreference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achievethe same results. Variations and modifications of the present inventionwill be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. Theentire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, andpublications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing fluid to a non-humananimal, the apparatus comprising: a fluid delivery system comprising atleast one mask and at least one fluid transport tube for delivery of afluid source to said mask; a head strap; said head strap comprising oneor more tube guide pockets adapted to be disposed behind eyes of thenon-human animal and below ears of the non-human animal when saidapparatus is disposed on the non-human animal in its intended operatingposition: said apparatus adapted to maintain said fluid transport tubeoutside of a field of view of the non-human animal when said apparatusis disposed on the non-human animal in its intended operating position;said tube guide pockets positioned such that a primary axis of saidfluid transport tube pass therethrough and are at least substantiallyperpendicular with a long axis of said head strap; at least one chockadapted to provide a tight fit of said fluid transport tube against thenon-human animal when said apparatus is disposed on the non-humananimal; and at least one securing belt for disposing said fluid deliverysystem on the non-human animal.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidfluid delivery system comprises a flexible mask.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said securing belt comprises at least one underchinstrap.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said securing belt comprisesa harness.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid deliverysystem is adapted to hold said fluid transport tube out of reach ofteeth of the non-human animal.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidfluid delivery system is adapted to not require a human to hold saiddelivery system on the non-human animal after the delivery system isdisposed on the non-human animal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid apparatus is configured to allow the non-human animal to eat,drink, sneeze, scratch, sleep in many positions, walk, run, and twirlwhile the non-human animal is wearing said apparatus.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the fluid comprises oxygen.
 9. The apparatus of claim1 wherein the fluid comprises a medication.
 10. A method for providing afluid to a non-human animal, the method comprising: providing a fluiddelivery system comprising a mask for delivery of a fluid to thenon-human animal; securing the fluid delivery system to the non-humananimal with at least one securing belt; disposing the mask at leastpartially around a nose of the non-human animal; causing a fluid totravel through the fluid delivery system, from a fluid source, throughat least one tube and into the mask; passing the non-human animal's earsthrough ear holes disposed in a head strap, the head strap comprisingone or more pockets for the fluid delivery system, wherein the pocketsare adapted to be positioned behind an eye of the non-human animal whenthe delivery system is disposed on the non-human animal in its intendedoperating position; maintaining the at least one tube outside of a fieldof view of the non-human animal when the fluid delivery system isdisposed on the non-human animal in its intended operating position;adjusting the at least one tube tight against the non-human animal witha chock; and the method performed without requiring a person to hold thedelivery system on the non-human animal after the fluid delivery systemis attached to the non-human animal.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising securing the at least one tube to the non-human animal with astrap.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising securing the atleast one tube to the non-human animal with said head strap.
 13. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising securing the at least one tube tothe non-human animal with an underchin strap.
 14. The method of claim 10further comprising securing the at least one tube to the non-humananimal with a harness.
 15. The method of claim 10 further comprisingsupporting at least a portion of the tube with the fluid delivery systemsuch that the tube is out of reach of the non-human animal's teeth. 16.The method of claim 10 wherein providing at least one fluid sourcecomprises providing an oxygen source and wherein the fluid comprisesoxygen.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein providing the fluid to thenon-human animal allows the non-human animal to eat, drink, sneeze,scratch, sleep in many positions, walk, run, twirl, and engage in normalbehavior.
 18. The method of claim 10 wherein the fluid comprises amedication.